A Lesser Walker Evans

Subway photography is a delicate art at any time and subway photography in Japan/Tokyo is a case in point. The Japanese are typically overly polite, obsessed with "the rules" and seldom will partake in any activity that would upset the peace and order of another. It always amazes me how they can stand nose to nose on a crowded subway, yet somehow manage to NOT invade each others space. Foreigners "gaijin", can get away with a certain amount of boorish behavior because it is expected of us, but, I always try and respect the culture and blend in, however impossible that may be.

I was compelled to take a risk when this photo presented itself. Maybe not the best compositionally and certainly, way out of park where headroom and portraiture is concerned, seeing these two men sitting beside each other made me click off the frame. They were a study in opposites. The worker and the businessman, siamese like in their proximity, brought together by fate and timing to form this unusual bond.

The Official Weigh In

One of the quirks my father in-law has, is that he is a measurer! He loves to know the distances between all points and for some reason, he has an obsession with weight. Particularly, it seems, mine! I assume he is concerned for the health and welfare of his daughters spouse, but I also assume there is some sense of pride regarding the relatively fit and trim Japanese society vs, the in most cases, lesser so, North American. To this end, shortly after we arrived we had the official "weigh in", whereby we established the baseline from which we would be judged at trips end. I think the odds are stacking against me though, because it seems to be every mother in-laws creed to over feed and such is the case here, where breakfast is a seven or eight course meal that typically consists of soup, rice, fish, pickles, vegetables, fruit, eggs and a few other, (typically unidentifiable) items thrown in for good measure. All washed down with copius amounts of green tea.

Room Without a View

When in Japan and visiting Tokyo, I stay with my in-laws. They live in the Nakano district, not far from Shinjuku by subway.

Several years ago my father in- law tore down his traditional Japanese house and built a modern Japanese structure. The main living room now has couches and chairs instead of traditional tatami and while many concessions have been made for modern conveniences, the essence of the Japanese home remains. It is spare and tasteful and highly efficient.

One sad concession to modern times and the premium that is put on space in crowded Tokyo, is a house that was built in the former parking lot behind my in-laws home. The guest room, located on the third floor, used to have sweeping views of the striking Shinjuku skyline. This is our view today.

Two Weeks in Tokyo

Should be interesting. The plan is to visit several galleries and museums and of course take lots of pictures. Stay tuned.